KR20090125178A - A method and apparatus for media independent handover capability discovery - Google Patents

Abstract

A first media independent handover function (MIHF) receives a media independent handover (MIH) capabilities discovery request from a second MIHF and generates a MIH capabilities discovery response message, including one or more parameters. Then the first MIHF sends the MIH capabilities discovery response to the second MIHF. Based on the information contained in the MIH capabilities discovery response, the first MIHF may receive a handover request message from the second MIHF. The one or more parameters included within the discovery response message indicates the specific technologies for which the first MIHF supports a MMB handover. The one or more parameters may include a list of the technologies for which a make-before-break (MMB) handover is supported. For example, a parameter may use a specific bit structure wherein each bit is a Boolean representation of whether MMB handover is supported for a specific type of technology.

Description

A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEDIA INDEPENDENT HANDOVER CAPABILITY DISCOVERY}

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for supporting handover between wireless communication systems, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for providing a medium independent handover (MIH) function.

The IEEE 802.21 standard includes mechanisms and procedures to assist in the implementation and management of intersystem handover. In particular, IEEE 802.21 defines a Media Independent Handover (MIH) function (MIHF) that resides in communication entities of several wireless systems that can support intersystem handover. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a network architecture for a wireless system that can support intersystem handover. Such underlying technologies include, for example, 3GPP, 3GPP2 and IEE based networks such as IEEE 802.xx, code division multiple access (CDMA) 2000; Universal mobile telephone system (UMTS), GSM, LTE, or any other wireless communication system, including yet to be developed.

MIH functionality can be implemented in any wireless communication system. The prior art proposes improvements regarding the use of several messages, including the MIH_Capability_Discover Request / Confirm message. These improvements include modifications to message parameters so that MIH capable nodes can detect the functions of other MIH capable peers in an effective manner.

Modifications to the message parameters allow one MIH_Capability_Discover message to be used, as opposed to the previous method, to detect all important functions of the peer node, such as the number and type of supported links belonging to a particular link type, and link events. This one message must be sent for the link type to be supported at the remote end.

Although the proposed structures can provide an efficient way to detect supported transport types and link related functions, these structures do not facilitate the determination of other important functions of these links. Thus, significant improvements in function detection are still needed.

The first MIHF receives the MIH function detection request from the second MIHF and generates a MIH function detection response message including one or more parameters. The first MIHF then sends a MIH function detection response to the second MIHF. Based on the information contained in the MIH function detection response, the first MIHF may receive a handover request message from the second MIHF.

One or more parameters included in the detection response message indicate specific techniques for which the first MIHF supports Make-Before-Break (MBB) handover. One or more parameters may include a list of techniques that support MBB handover. For example, a parameter may use a specific bit structure and each bit is a Boolean representation of whether or not MBB handover is supported for a particular type of technology.

According to the method and apparatus for providing a media independent handover function to support handover between wireless communication systems of the present invention, it is possible to provide an efficient method for detecting supported transmission type and link related functions.

The term " WTRU " will then refer to user equipment (UE), mobile station (STA), mobile node (MN), fixed or mobile subscriber unit, pager, cellular telephone, PDA, MIH function, computer Or any other type of user device operable in a wireless environment. The term " access point (AP) " hereafter referred to refers to a Node B, site controller, base station, point of attachment, point of service, point of service, MIH function, or any other type that can operate in a wireless environment. Interfacing devices of (but not limited to).

2 is a block diagram of a wireless communication system 200 that includes a wireless transmit / receive unit 205 and an AP 1210. The WTRU 205 and the AP 210 communicate over a wireless communication link 212.

As shown in FIG. 2, the WTRU 215 includes a MIHF 215, a processor 220, and at least one transceiver 225a, 225b. Processor 220 is connected to MIHF 215 and respective transceivers 225a and 225b. MIHF 215 is configured to execute a media independent handover related process including generating a MIH function detection request and processing a MIH function response.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the AP 210 includes a MIHF 230, a processor 235, and at least one transceiver 240a, 240b. Processor 235 is connected to MIHF 215 and respective transceivers 225a and 225b. MIHF 230 is configured to execute a media independent handover related process, including processing a MIH function detection request and generating a MIH function response. Optionally, MIHF 230 may be located outside of AP 210 within a network (not shown). For example, the AP 210 is connectable to an access router (not shown) that can house the MIHF 230.

3 shows a flowchart of a method 300 for receiving a MIH function. First, the first MIHF sends a MIH function detection request to the second MIHF in step 310. For the method 300 the first MIHF may be located at the AP 210 as the MIHF 230 or the first MIHF may be located at the WTRU 205 as the MIHF 215. In a third alternative, the MIHF may be located in a network (not shown). In response, the first MIHF receives a MIH function detection response from the second MIHF in step 320. Next, in step 340, the first MIHF makes a determination as to whether or not it is a handover to the second MIHF based on the information contained in the MIH function detection response.

The MIH function detection response message includes at least one link parameter and an MBB Handover Support parameter. The link element will contain a list of network types that the MIHF supports. The MBBHandover Support parameter provides a list of technologies that support MBB handover. For example, the MBBHandover Support parameter may use a specific bit structure, where each bit is a Boolean representation of whether MBB handover is supported for a particular type of technology. It should also be noted that all available links support Break Before Make (BBM) handover by default, so that information about the BBM handover function is unnecessary.

Table 1 shows an example possible bit structure for the MBBHandover Support parameter. However, those skilled in the art will understand that many other structures are possible and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the specific bit structures of Table 1.

parameter Explanation MBBHandover Support Bit field with as many bits as there are potential supported links. There must be entries for this bit field as many supported links as possible. Indicates if MBB handover for bits # 0-802.3 is supported. Bit # 1-Indicates if MBB handover for 802.11 is supported. Bit # 2-Indicates that MBB handover for 802.16 is supported. Bit # 3-Indicates if MBB handover for CDMA2000 is supported. Bit # 4-Indicates that MBB handover for UMTS is supported. Bit # 5-Indicates that MBB handover for CDMA2000-HRPD is supported. Bit # 6-Indicates if MBB handover for GSM is supported. Bits # 7 through # 15-Reserved for future use.

Table 1-Examples of possible bit structures for the proposed MBBHandover Support parameter

Optionally, the MIH detection response message may also include a number of supported link parameters NumberOfSupportedLinks. This parameter indicates the number of links supported by the communication entity associated with the MIHF. Table 2 shows an example definition for the NumberOfSupportedLinks parameter. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that many other structures are possible and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the definition or bit structure of specific bits in Table 2.

parameter Explanation NumberOfSupportedLinks 8-bit unsigned integer that indicates the number of links supported by the MIH capable node.

Table 2-Example of the proposed NumberOfSupportedLinks parameter

4 shows a flowchart of a method 400 for providing MIH functionality to a first IMIHF. For the method 400 the first MIHF may be placed in the AP 210 as the MIHF 230 or the first MIHF may be placed in the WTRU 205 as the MIHF 215. In a third alternative, the MIHF can be placed in a network (not shown). First, the second MIHF receives a MIH function detection request from the first MIHF in step 410. The second MIHF then generates a MIH function detection response message at step 420, including the MBBhandoverSupport parameter indicating the particular technology for which the second MIHF supports MBB handover. The second MIHF then sends a MIH function detection response to the first MIHF at step 430. Optionally, the second MIHF may transmit the MIH function detection response via broadcast, multicast or unicast. Based on the information contained in the MIH function detection response, the second MIHF may receive a handover request message from the first MIHF at step 440.

In alternative embodiments it may not be assumed that all available links support BBM handover. In this situation, the third parameter may be included in the MIH function detection message indicating the availability of BBM handover for certain technologies (BBMHandoverSupport). Table 4 shows an example of possible bit structures for the BBMHandoverSupport parameter. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many other structures are possible and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the specific bit structures of Table 1.

Table 3-Example of the proposed BBMHandoverSupport

parameter Explanation BBMHandoverSupport Bit field with as many bits as there are potential supported links. There must be entries for this bit field as many supported links as possible. Indicates if MBB handover for bits # 0-802.3 is supported. Bit # 1-Indicates if MBB handover for 802.11 is supported. Bit # 2-Indicates that MBB handover for 802.16 is supported. Bit # 3-Indicates if MBB handover for CDMA2000 is supported. Bit # 4-Indicates that MBB handover for UMTS is supported. Bit # 5-Indicates that MBB handover for CDMA2000-HRPD is supported. Bit # 6-Indicates if MBB handover for GSM is supported. Bits # 7 through # 15-reserved for future use.

The procedures 300, 400 of FIGS. 3 and 4 and the first and second MIHFs may be placed in some other network entity, such as the WTRU 205, the AP 210, or an access router (not shown). Optionally, the procedures 300 and 400 of FIGS. 3 and 4 may indicate that the AP may request the MIH function of the WTRU 205 and the WTRU 205 generates a MIH function response message and sends the message to the MIH function of the WTRU 205. It can be performed to transmit to the AP 210 with the information.

Example

1. A medium independent handover function (MIHF) for use in a wireless communication system connected to a transceiver configured to perform medium independent handover (MIH).

2. The MIHF of embodiment 1 wherein the MIHF is configured to transmit and receive a media independent handover message.

3. The MIHF of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the MIHF is configured to send and receive a media independent handover message that includes a NumberOfSupportedLinks parameter.

4. The MIHF of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the MIHF is configured to send and receive a media independent handover message that includes an MBBHandoverSupportedLinks parameter.

5. The MIHF of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the MIHF is configured to send and receive a media independent handover message that includes an MBBHandoverSupport parameter.

6. The MIHF of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the MIHF is configured to perform Make Before Break Handover.

7. The MIHF of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the MIHF is configured to perform a break before make handover.

8. The MIHF of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the MIHF is configured to send and receive messages containing a MIH link function.

9. The MIHF of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the MIHF is configured to transmit and receive messages containing a MIH link quantity.

10. The MIHF of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the MIHF is configured to send and receive a handover support message.

11. The MIHF of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the handover support message includes information regarding device handover support for a plurality of protocols.

12. The MIHF of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the handover support message includes a plurality of bits configured to indicate device handover support for a plurality of protocols.

13. The MIHF of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the plurality of bit handover support messages includes information regarding device handover support for a plurality of protocols.

14. The MIHF of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the handover support message includes information regarding device handover support for a plurality of protocols.

15. The MIHF according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the MIH is a make before break handover.

16. The MIHF according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the MIH is a break before make handover.

17. The MIHF of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the MIHF is placed in a wireless transmit / receive unit for use in a 3GPP system.

18. The MIHF of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the MIHF is placed in a Node B for use in a 3GPP system.

19. The MIHF of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the MIHF is placed in a base station for use in a 3GPP system.

20. The MIHF of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the MIHF is placed in a mobile unit for use in a WLAN.

21. The MIHF of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the MIHF is placed at an access point for use in a WLAN.

22. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the MIHF is

Send an information request message from the first node to the second node,

Transmit a plurality of parameters from a second node to the first node,

Wherein the plurality of parameters indicate medium independent handover information.

23. The MIHF of embodiment 22 wherein the medium independent handover information includes a series of bits indicating protocol support.

24. The MIHF of embodiment 22 or 23 wherein the parameter indicates make before break break handover support.

25. The MIHF of any of embodiments 22-24, wherein the parameter indicates break non-make handover support.

26. The MIHF of any one of embodiments 22-25 wherein the parameter comprises a NumberOfSupportedLinks parameter.

27. The MIHF of any one of embodiments 22-26 wherein the parameter comprises a NumberOfSupportedLinks parameter.

28. The MIHF of any one of embodiments 22-27 wherein the parameter comprises a BBMHandoverSupport parameter.

29. A wireless transmit / receive unit configured for use with the MIHF of any of the preceding embodiments.

30. An access point (AP) configured for use with the MIHF of any of the preceding embodiments.

Although features and elements of a particular combination have been described above, each feature or element can be used alone or in various combinations with other features and elements or without other features and elements, without other features and elements. Do. The methods or flowcharts provided herein can be implemented with computer firmware included in a computer program, software or computer readable storage medium for execution by a general purpose computer or processor. Exemplary computer readable storage media include ROM, RAM, registers, cache memory, semiconductor memory devices, magnetic media such as internal hard disks and removable disks, magneto-optical media, optical media such as CD-ROM disks, and DVDs. do.

Suitable processors include, for example, general purpose processors, dedicated processors, conventional processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with DSP cores, controllers, microcontrollers, ASICs, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). Circuits, other types of integrated circuits, and / or state machines.

A processor associated with the software may be used to implement a radio frequency transceiver for use in a wireless communication transmit / receive unit (WTRU), user equipment (UE), terminal, base station, radio network controller (RNC), or any host computer. The first MIHF includes a camera, a video camera module, a videophone, a speakerphone, a vibration device, a speaker, a microphone, a TV receiver, a handsfree handset, a keyboard, a Bluetooth® brand, a frequency modulation (FM) wireless device, an LCD display, an organic light emitting diode Modules implemented in hardware and / or software, such as diode (OLED) displays, digital music players, media players, video game player modules, Internet browsers, and / or any WLAN modules or ultra wide band (UWB) modules; Can be used in combination.

1 is an example of a wireless communication system configured to support intersystem handover.

2 is a block diagram of a typical wireless communication system.

3 is a flowchart of a method for detecting MIH functions.

4 is a flowchart of a method of providing MIH functions.

Claims (12)

A method for receiving media independent handover (MIH) capabilities, the method comprising: Send the MIH function request to the access point (AP), Receiving a MIH functional response that includes a make-before-break (MBB) handover parameter, And wherein the MBB handover parameter includes a list of techniques that support MBB handover. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the MBB handover parameter includes a Boolean representation of which type of technology MBB handover is supported for. 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising determining whether to hand over based on the MIH function response. A method for providing a medium independent handover (MIH) function, Receive a MIH function request from a wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), Sending a MIH function response including a make before break (MBB) handover parameter, And wherein the MBB handover parameter includes a list of techniques that support MBB handover. 5. The method of claim 4 wherein the MBB handover parameter includes a Boolean representation of which type of technology supports MBB handover. 5. The method of claim 4 further comprising determining whether to handover based on the MIH function response. A MIH capable wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) configured to transmit and receive medium independent handover (MIH) functionality, A MIH function unit configured to generate a MIH function request, A transmitter configured to send the MIH function request to an access point; A receiver configured to receive a MIH function response including a make before break (MBB) handover parameter and to provide the MBB handover parameter to the MIH function, wherein the MBB handover parameter is a technology that supports MBB handover. WTRU containing a list of. 8. The WTRU of claim 7 wherein the MBB handover parameter includes a Boolean representation of whether or not to support MBB handover for a particular type of technology. 8. The WTRU of claim 7 further comprising a processor configured to determine whether to handover based on the MIH function response. A MIH capable access point (AP) configured to send and receive medium independent handover (MIH) functionality, A receiver configured to receive a MIH function request from a WTRU; A MIH function configured to generate a MIH function response; A transmitter configured to transmit a MIH function response including a make before break (MBB) handover parameter and to provide the MBB handover parameter to the MIH function, wherein the MBB handover parameter is a technique to support MBB handover An AP comprising a list of devices. 11. The AP of claim 10, wherein the MBB handover parameter includes a boolean representation of which type of technology supports MBB handover. The AP of claim 10, wherein the receiver is further configured to receive a request to handover in response to a transmitter sending the MIH functional response.

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